Typographical machine.



J. R. ROGERS.

TYPOGRAPHICAL MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED APR.12, 1913.

1,088,934, Patented Ma123, 1914.

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COLUMBIA PLANOO J. R. ROGERS.

TYPOGRAPHICAL MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED APRJZ, 191s.

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' Patented Mar. 3, 1914.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFIGE.

JOHN .R. ROGERS, OF BROOKLYN, NEW YORK, ASS IGNOR TO MERGENTHALER LINOTYPE COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

TYPOGRAPHICAL MACHINE.

To all'whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JOHN R. ROGERS, a citizen of the United States, residing at Brooklyn, in the county of Kings and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Typographical Machines, of which the following is a specification, reference being had therein to the accompanying drawing.

My invention relates to typographical composing machines, such as linotype machines of the general organization represented in Letters Patent of the United States, No. 436,532, to O. Mergenthaler, wherein circulating matrices are released from a magazine in the order in which their characters are to appear in print and then assembled in line, the composed line transferred to the face of a mold, the mold filled with molten metal to form a slug or linotype against the matrices which produce the type characters thereon, and the matrices thereafter returned through a distributing mechanism to the magazine from which they started.

More particularly, the invention relates to the distributing mechanism, and is shown by way of example and in preferred form in connection with a special kind of machine, wherein a plurality of distributers are arranged in associated relation to each other. However, it will be apparent that my improvements may be similarly employed in connection with a single distributer, and that no limitation is imposed by their present mode of illustration. In the Mergenthaler patent above mentioned, the distributing devices comprise rotating screws which convey the matrices along a grooved rail or bar, from which they are released at the proper points to return them to the appropriate channels in the magazine, andmy invention is herein set forth in connection with that specific mechanism. Obviously, however, the principles thereof are capable of far broader application, and may be adapted to distinctly different styles of distributors, as well as to other forms of typographical machines, as for instance, those which handle type or dies instead of matrices.

Generally speaking, I desire it to be understood that I do not limit myself to any specific form or embodiment, except in so Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed April 12, 1913.

Patented Mar. 3, 1914.

Serial No. 760,605.

far as such limitations are specified in the claims.

The application for Letters Patent of J. R. Rogers, Serial No. 687,691, filed April 1, 1912, discloses means to arrest positively the rotating distributer screws, in the event that a type or matrix while in relation thereto is improperly retarded, as for instance, if it becomes lodged in the entrance to a magazine and there resists the operation of the screw. The screws are ordinarily synchronously rotated or operated, and in the said application the parts are so arranged that in the event of undue resistance or other similar derangement, this synchronism will be interrupted, thereby calling into action certain connected devices, which ordinarily run freely, but in such instances are thrown out of their normal relations, and as a result thereof interfere and contact with each other so as positively to arrest the further opera tion of the screws. In connection with these devices, I propose to employ special means for disei'igaging the driving mechanism in the event that the operation of the distributing devices is retarded, whether this happens because of the action of the parts already described or in some totally different manner. In other words, although this feature may be employed advantageously with the described means for positively arresting the screws, it is similarly applicable to any form of distributor or other mechanism, wherein it may be desired to unclutch or otherwise disengage the driving means in the event of the arrest or retardation of the driven parts.

In the employment of the specific mechanism above referred to, it sometimes happens, after the screws are arrested, that an appreciable period of time elapses before the actual disengagement of the driving means, thus submitting the parts to undue strain and possibly to bending or breakage.

It is the principal object of my invention to effect the disengagement of the driving means, or in the form shown, the breaking of the clutch, instantaneously, so as to make the stop mechanism more responsive and thus to reduce the objectionable strain on the parts already mentioned.

Referring to the drawings: Figure 1 is a rear view of a portion of the distributing mechanism and its driving means, partly in section on the line 11 in Fig. 2; Fig, 2 is an end view thereof, partly broken away; Fig. 3 is a plan view, partly in section and partly broken away; Fig. 4 is a section taken substantially on the line 4-4 in Fig. 3; and Fig. 5 is a perspective detail.

The matrices X are, as usual, conveyed along the distributor rail Y by the rotating screws D, and drop therefrom into their appropriate magazine channels. The screws 1) are rotated from the driving wheel A on the sleeve A supported on the stud or spindle A through the clutch member 13, which rotates the sprocket wheel C on the sleeve E in the manner subsequently to be described, and thence through the sprocket chain C sprocket wheel C and gearing C connected to the screws. Except for the differences subsequently to be described, these parts and their mode of operation are or may be substantially the same as those disclosed in the said Rogers application.

Certain of the screws D are provided with the disks D substantially similar to those disclosed in the application for Letters Patent of A. P. Paine, Serial No, 704,958, filed June 21, 1912. These disks are preferably formedwith inclined or spiral flanges, and are so arranged that in ordinary operation they run freely in relation to each other, but with their respective flanges or threads always in lateral proximity. If for any reason, (such as undue resistance or the like, as for instance when the matrices X become jammed, as indicated in Fig. 1) the synchronism of the screws be interrupted, the disks will be shifted in angular relation to each other, resulting in the lateral contact of their respective flanges and consequently the immediate and positive arrest of the screws. The stoppage of the screws reacts through the sprocket chain C and tends to arrest the sprocket wheel C and thus resists the driving means, which action and resistance are utilized to effect the instantaneous disconnection of the clutch member B in the manner subsequently to be described.

The clutch member B is provided with the spring R the force of which when unresisted breaks the connection between the member B and the wheel A. The sprocket wheel C is connected to the sleeve E which is mounted on and surrounds the pre viously-mentioned sleeve A and the sleeve E is provided with the spring E of greater strength than the spring B so that when their actions are opposed, the latter will be compressed and the clutch member B be held in operative relation to the wheel A. Rotary motion is imparted to the sleeve E and sprocket wheel G by the spring F, connected to the sprocket wheel G and to the clutch member B, the spring having sufficient strength to cause the parts normally to rotate in unison, but adapted to permit a slight relative movement between them when the sprocket wheel C is retarded in the manner previously mentioned.

The engaging pressure of the spring E is transmitted to the clutch member B through the sleeve E, the clutch member B and sprocket wheel C being respectively provided with the lateral projecting elements G and H, which engage each other in the ordinary operation of the parts. As best shown in Fig. 5, the projection G is formed with an undercut recess G and the projection H with a correspondingly shaped engaging surface H whereby the clutch member 13 and sprocket wheel C are held in normal engaged relation. The sleeve A whereon the clutch member B and sleeve E are both mounted, is provided with a stop projection or screw J located between them, and which serves to limit the lateral movement of these parts, when they are permitted to shift under the influence of their respective springs B and E Fig. 1 shows the mechanism in normal operating relations, with the engaging surface of the projection H located in the re cess of the projection G, which position is maintained by the tension of the spring F. At this time, the superior strength of the spring E causes the compression of the spring B and the operative engagement of the clutch member B with the wheel A. If for any reason the rotation of the screws D be checked, the sprocket wheel C is retarded, and the continued rotation of clutch member B is permitted by the extension of the spring F, and results in the disengagement of the projections G and H, which disengagement releases the spring B and causes the instantaneous lateral movement of the clutch member B and the consequent breakage of the driving connection. The parts now as sume the position indicated in Fig. 3, wherein the member B is shown as forced by the spring B against one side of the stop J, and the sleeve E as forced by the spring E against its opposite side. The distributing mechanism then remains at rest until the defect therein has been cured and the parts are restored to their original positions.

It should be noted that the sleeve E, as

in the previously mentioned Rogers application, is provided with the side cam K adapted to be engaged by the pin Lon the stop member M, which member is normally held in inactive and inoperative position by the stop element N, the specific construction and operation of which constitutes no part of my present invention. 7

It will be observed that if the element N be actuated so as to permit the operative engagement of the pin L with the cam K, the sleeve E will be moved laterally against the force of the spring E thus similarly per mitting the spring B to break the actuating connection. I also provide convenient means for the reengagement of the parts and the restarting of the distributing mechanism, after the projections G and II have been disengaged in the manner previously described. To effect this, I preferably form the sleeve E with a groove E adapted to receive the pin O carried by one arm of the lever O pivoted to the framework at 0 The other arm of the lever O is arranged in proximity to the pin P carried upon the stop member M, the member M being formed with an operating handle 1V 1 to permit its convenient manipulation. \Vhen the member M is in its upper position indicated in Fig. 1, at which time it rests upon the stop element N, and its stop pin L is out of the path of the cam K, it is nevertheless capable of a still further upward movement. This is best shown by the dotted lines in Figs. 2 and 3, the further movement of the member M resulting in the engagement of the pin 1 with the lever O, the swinging of the latter about its pivot and the consequent lateral movement of the sleeve E and the compression of the spring E. The lateral movement of the sleeve E brings the projection I-I into position to be snapped into the recess G of the projection G by the spring 1 whereupon the superior force of the spring E again compresses the spring B restores the clutching action between the member B and the wheel A, and re-initiates the operation of the distributing mechanism.

As previously stated, I have shown my invention only in preferred form and by way of example, and obviously many changes and variations may be made therein, and in its mode of ap 'ilication, which will still be comprised within its scope.

Having thus described my invention, its construction and mode of operation, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is, as follows:

1. I11 a typographical machine, the combination of distributing mechanism and actuating means therefor, the said actuating means comprising a clutch, a spring tending to open the clutch, and a second spring of suflicient strength to overcome the other and close the clutch, the second spring being thrown out of action upon the abnormal operation of the distributing mechanism so as to permit the first spring to open the clutch.

2. In a typographical machine, the combination of distributing mechanism and actuating means therefor, the said actuating means comprising a driving part and a driven part, the latter being formed in relatively movable sections, and springs, one tending to disengage the driving and driven parts, and the other of sufficient strength to maintain their engagement in oppositlon to the first sprin and devices whereby the relative movement of the sections of the driven part throws the second spring out of action and allows the first to operate.

3. In a typographical machine, the combination of distributing mechanism adapted to be retarded by misplaced matrices, and actuating means there'l'or, the said actuating means comprising a driving part and a part driven thereby, the latter being formed in sections adapted to be disengaged by a relative movement between them, a spring to break the driving connection upon the relative movement of said sections, and means whereby the retardation of the dis tributing mechanism eii'ects the relative movement of said sections.

4. In a typographical machine, the combination of distributing mechanism and actuating means therefor, the said actuating means comprising the driving wheel A, the clutch member B normally maintained in engagement therewith, and the spring 13 located between said wheel and member to disengage them directly when the distributing mechanism operates abnormally.

5. In a typographical machine, the com,- bination of distributing mechanism and actuating means therefor, the said actuating means comprising a driving part and a driven part, the latter being formed in relatively rotatable sections, cooperating elements on the respective sections to maintain the normal connection of said parts, the said elements being of such dimensions as to permit the disconnection of the parts by a slight relative rotation of said sections, and connections from the distributing mechanism for effecting the relative rotation of the sections.

6. In a typographical machine, the combination of distributing mechanism adapted to be retarded by misplaced matrices and actuating means therelicm, the said actuating means comprising a driving wheel A, clutch devices normally maintained in engagement tl'ierewith, the said devices being formed in sections, one of which is connected to the distributing mechanism so as to be retarded therewith, connecting elements G and II between said sections adapted, to be disconnected by the retardation of one of them, and the spring B to disengage the clutch member B from the wheel A when the said elements Gr and H are disconnected.

7. In a typographical machine, the combination of distributing mechanism and actuating means therefor, the said actuating means comprising a driving part and a driven part normally engaged therewith, the driven part being formed in relatively rotatable sections and adapted to be disengaged from the driving part by the relative rotation of its sections, the elements G and H serving by their engagement to connect the sections, the spring F to maintain the elements G- and H in operative engagement but adapted to yield in the event of the relative rotation of the sections to permit the disengagement of said elements, and connections from the distributing mechanism for effecting the relative rotation of the sections.

8. In a typographical machine, the combination of distributing mechanism and ac tuating means therefor, the said actuating means comprising a clutch, a spring tending to open the clutch, and a second spring of sufficient strength to overcome the other and close the clutch, the second spring being thrown out of action upon the'abnormal op eration of the distributing mechanism so as to permit the first spring to open the clutch, and means for restoring the parts to their original position.

9. In a tyrmgraphical machine, the combination of distributing mechanism and actuating means therefor, the said actuating means comprising a clutch, a spring to open the clutch directly, means for closing the clutch in opposition to the spring, and devices for tripping said means upon the abspring to open the clutch directly, means for closing the clutch in opposition to the spring and devices for tripping said means when the distributing mechanism is retarded.

11. In a typographical machine, the combination of distributing mechanism, actuating means therefor, said actuating means comprising a clutch, a spring to open the clutch directly, and means for closing the clutch in opposition to the spring, the said means adapted to be tripped by the continued operation of the actuating means upon the abnormal operation of the distributing mechanism.

In testimony whereof I atlix my signature in presence of tWo Witnesses.

JOHN R. nocnns.

Witnesses:

DAVID S. KENNEDY, ALFRED W. F. GUns'r.

Copies cf this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents. Washington, D. C. 

